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15 most expensive contracts in MLB history and how they turned out

By Michael Fisher

Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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New York Yankees, Giancarlo Stanton
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 23: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees looks on before batting in the second inning against the Houston Astros in game four of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 23, 2022 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

8. MLB contracts: Giancarlo Stanton, MIA – $325M/13 years

After signing the most expensive MLB contract in history in 2015, Giancarlo Stanton only played three more seasons with the Miami Marlins. Still, he gave them an MVP year in 2017 before being traded to the New York Yankees.

Coming off a 37 homer, 105 RBI season in 2014, Stanton’s 13-year, $325M contract seemed like a good long-term deal for a 25-year-old power hitter going into his prime. He had already hit 154 long balls over his first five years in the league.

After the signing, his numbers dipped back down over the next two seasons as he missed time with injuries. But then his monster 2017 happened, and the Marlins looked like they had hit the jackpot. The 6-foot-6 outfielder won the MVP after leading the majors with 59 home runs, 132 RBI and a .631 slugging percentage. He also made his fourth All-Star team and won his second Silver Slugger.

Miami attempted to cash in on his value by trading him to the Yankees after forcing him to waive his no-trade clause. However, the return of Starlin Castro, Jorge Guzman and José Devers didn’t pan out for the organization.

The Marlins accomplished their goal of saving money but only got 316 games from Castro with a .274/.314/.418 slash line and 34 home runs before he left after 2019.

The other two players in the deal, both prospects, appeared in a combined 24 games for the Marlins.

Overall, the contract didn’t turn out to be a great move for the Marlins. While they managed to get out of the deal, they are still on the hook for $10M each of the last three years.

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